MARSHFIELD — Alcohol and other drugs, behavioral health and chronic diseases powerfully affect the health of individuals, families and Wisconsin communities, so to help address these issues, Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) and Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., are partnering to offer funding through their ABCs for Healthy Communities grants.

Up to $300,000 in grant funding will be invested in supporting community efforts to address these multi-faceted issues, the ABCs – alcohol and other drug abuse, behavioral health and chronic diseases.

“MCHS and Security Health Plan are extremely proud to support our local organizations and communities through the ABCs for Healthy Communities grant program,” said Jay Shrader, vice president, Community Health & Wellness, MCHS. “We’ve talked with hundreds of community partners over the last year and we heard communities need resources to be successful in improving the health of communities we serve. Above the many programs and initiatives MCHS offers, we can further support local efforts through these grants.”

MCHS’ mission is to enrich lives by helping people and communities achieve their best health. Since 2012, Security Health Plan, an MCHS entity, has offered community health grants supporting local initiatives, programs and processes addressing community health needs. And now, together, MCHS and Security Health Plan offer these grants to continue making a difference in communities.

“ABCs often intersect with one another,” Shrader said. “Using and abusing alcohol and other drugs can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Mental health issues may lead to alcohol and other drug abuse, which critically impacts behavioral and physical health. It can be a difficult cycle to break without intervention or community action.”

All proposed initiatives and projects must address social determinants of health – education, employment, income, family and social support, community safety, environmental quality and the built environment.

Funding may be used to develop new projects or programs, or to improve existing programs.

“We’re excited to see what strategies local communities have to address these important health issues,” Shrader said.

Organizations serving rural and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. A required letter of intent is due March 30. Grant application deadline is April 27 and award announcements are anticipated to be made the week of May 21.

To learn more or to submit an application, visit www.securityhealth.org/grant or contact Pa Khang, Community Benefits Program, Security Health Plan, 715-221-9608 or by email at khang.pa@securityhealth.org.